Halifax father admits manslaughter of four-month-old baby daughter

Police cordon and van outside Stanningley Drive, Mixenden

A Halifax man will be sentenced in June after admitting the manslaughter of his four-month-old baby daughter more than five years ago.

Tony Burns, 29, denied the murder of Darcy Burns between March 2-5, 2009 while living at Stanningley Drive, Mixenden but pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing her.

The judge at Leeds Crown Court was told in his basis of plea that Burns accepted “brief but vigorous shaking” of the baby who died in Leeds General Infirmary.

Nicholas Campbell QC prosecuting told the court that plea was acceptable to the Crown. Burns was remanded on bail to await sentencing after his defence said they needed further reports about him.

The Recorder of Leeds, Judge Peter Collier QC told Burns the fact he was being granted bail was no indication of sentence. “The sentencing judge will have regard to anything set out in the reports before deciding what sentence will be.”